Playful prettiness at Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet SS14

As soon as I walked in the door at the Alice & Olivia SS14 preview I was hooked. They didn’t even “have me at hello”… they had me at the first breath of the letter H! Alice & Olivia is still pretty new to the HK scene (though founded in 2002), and with each season that passes I fall a little more in love with this brand! Could it be the materials and cuts that draw me in, or is it the whimsical prints and eye popping colours that set my heart aflame? There is just something about this brand that I can’t seem to pry my eyes away from! Take a look at what is in store for Spring Summer’14 and see if we can figure it out together…

Basically Beautiful

You simply cannot go wrong with basic black and white. Designer Stacey Bendet of Alice & Olivia brings us this tried and true combo, adding a little edge and glamour to the staples. Check out the embellishments, cutouts, and ombre… gorgeous! I was immediately taken with the sequin wide leg striped pants. How chic would these be with little more than a silky white button down and a sleek black pump? Then I turned my eyes toward this black and white long gown with sexy little cutouts on the waist – perfect for showing off how hard you have been working out! We are all still sticking with our New Years Resolutions, right? If not, try the shorter version, which boasts the idea of a cut out but is really just two sneaky dark panels that visually nip in your waist!

Also, on the B&W scene is this gorgeous gradient gown, which would look equally fantastic with an up do for an evening out as it would with a denim jacket for a girly brunch. For an on-point look, slip into these coordinates which every designer seems to be showcasing for the season ahead! Or if you prefer just a little punch of graphic goodness then you can try your tootsies in these pointed pumps or flats!

Lovely & Ladylike

Perhaps my love for A+O springs forth from the abundant girly-ness that the collection boasts. Somewhere deep down in every grown woman is the memory of twirling in your mother’s heels while wearing your favourite “spin-y dress”. You can have that same lighthearted feeling when you change into one of these charming creations. The lace detailing, peplums, and bows are ever so lady-like! This button down blue and white embroidered peplum top fuses girly charm with ladylike elegance. Pair it with light blue skinny denim jeans rolled up at the cuff and a pair of Tom’s to take on an afternoon of errand running in style and comfort!

Put Your Best Face Forward

Ok… here is the real reason that I am head over heels for Alice & Olivia SS14! How can you not love a collection that is looking back at you with such love? Little faces and plump pouts adorn look after look! How easily a grey Monday could be cheered up just by peering down and seeing these little heart shaped faces staring up from your feet.

Seriously though, I can’t stop thinking about this lippy print cardi and have already put it on my Spring wish list (do you all make those too?). Layered under a blazer, or belted with a pencil skirt, those lush little lips make their own statement. I would love to couple it with this voluminous ball gown skirt and be the talk of the town! A simpler way to face the trend is to match this white sleeveless top with a pair of ankle skimming black cigarette pants and a little loafer – very Audrey approved, as it is quite the funny face!

The look that really catches my eye is this artistic print white dress. If you look closely at the hem you will even see a little monkey hiding in the folds!

Are you completely smitten now too? It’s hard not to crave something from this collection as it is so uplifting and lighthearted. Perhaps that is why celebs like Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Katy Perry are fans of this brand! When clothing makes you smile you can take on the week feeling like everyday is Friday! If ever you are feeling blue, pop into the IFC shop and let the wonderland of Alice & Olivia overcome you, it might just change your tune!